Israeli Occupation Forces demolish agricultural and residential structures in Palestinian Jordan Valley

• Violation: demolition of structures
• Location:  Al-Jiftlik and Fasayil areas
• Date: August 08, 2016
• Perpetrators: Israeli Occupation Forces
• Victims:  five Bedouin families

Details:

A massive force from the Israeli occupation army accompanied by military dozers raided on August 08, 2016 the area of AL-Shoneh, south Al-Jiftlik village and carried out a demolition operation that reached out two residences, two barracks and two sheep tents on the claim of "unlicensed construction".

It should be marked that the demolished structures were served stop-work orders in 2012. At time, owners proceeded to license their properties in coordination with the Legal Department at Jericho governorate, but the occupation eventually demolished the structures.

Residents of the area are reported to live basic and primitive life. Structures are built by metal slaps where the area lacks all infrastructure forms.

It should be also marked that Al-Jiftlik village suffers from lack of lands suitable for urban expansion, taking into account that the area is not recognized by the occupation. Its total area of 185,032 dunums are classified as area "C", which is under Israeli control. This means that any structure founded in the area is subject for demolition. Noteworthy, the occupation confiscated 70% of Jiftlik's lands to establish colonies and military camps.

Photos 1-3: the destruction caused after the demolition operation

Demolition of residential and agricultural tents in the area of Fasayil:

North of Jericho, the occupation army carried out a demolition operation in the area of Fasayil. Demolition reached out a tent for sheep and another one used as a residence. The operation was carried out on the claim that the area is declared "closed military zone".

The demolished tents belong to Khreibish family, which was targeted many times during the past couple of years.

It should be marked that the area's residents submitted many pleas to Israel Supreme Court to allow them to reside the area. But in 2008, the court banned, through a ruling, the residents from staying there and ordered immediate eviction.  As a result, 140 citizens became subject for forcible displacement.

In synchronization with the policy of demolitions in Palestinian Jordan Valley areas, the nearby colonies that are established on confiscated lands are witnessing rapid and vast expansion. This is noticed from the increased numbers of residential units that are being annexed to the colonies.

Photos 4-6: the destruction resulted due to the demolition operation

The following table shows information about the affected people and their properties:

Land Research Center sees houses and properties demolition as a clear-cut violation of all international conventions and laws:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Article 1 states: " All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

Article 17: " (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property."

The 1907 the Hague Convention

 Article 23: " In addition to the prohibitions provided by special Conventions, it is especially forbidden

g.  To destroy or seize the enemy's property, unless such destruction or seizure be imperatively demanded by the necessities of war;"

The Geneva Fourth convention

Article 53: "  Any destruction by the Occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations."

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights:

Article 11.1 states: "The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent".

Prepared by
 The Land Research Center
LRC